Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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CHAPTER XV. They have not yet found out who mur dered Henry Malnwaring. The authorities—more out of consider ation for us than for any other reason— undertook to focus their suspicions first upon poor Tom. The coroner’s jnry had come to the conclusion that "deceased came to his death by a bullet discharged from a pistol in the hands of a person or persons to this jury at present unknown.” Now, Tom had been provided with a pis tol on the hight in question—a brand new Smith 4 Wesson revolver, with seven cartridges and various automatic and other improvements, and he had further been fitted out with a belt to sling it in, and all this apparatus he had faithfully borne from sunset till sunrise. This and his presence in the forest when Henry was shot were the damning facts against him. Tom’s English straightforwardness, combined with his evident affection for the dead man, his indignation at being supposed capable of working him injury and his consternation at being arraigned before the majesty of the law were both comical and pathetic. When the re volver was produced, moreover, all the seven cartridges were still in it, and there was no sign of its ever having been discharged. No one of the witnesses called to testify as to his character could find a word to say against 1. n, nor could it be shown that he had ever had any misunderstanding with the deceased or had anything to hope from his death. And when he was put up to answer for himself his testimony was os convincing as it was involved. “ Twas this way, please yer honor," he began. “We was to drive to the lake for to spend the night. There was me, an the young gentlemen—barrin Master Frank, as was laid up with a bad foot, sir—an the mistress, an the young lady. So, when we got there, Master John, soys ’e, ’Saddle up, Tom,’ 'e says, ‘an take the pistol,’ ’e says, ‘an back we goes to wallop them burglars,’ ’e says. So 1 didn’t know what ’e’d be hup to, ycr honor, not ’avin 'ad the tip. 'Owsomever, I saddles up, an hoff we goes, me an Master John an Master ’Enry. An there was the young lady, she was achin to go, too, an they wouldn’t 'ave it, but says she to me, privatelike, says she, T'll be heven with ’emjret, Tom,’ she says. T knows ’ow to 'put on a saddle myself,’ she says, ‘so look out,’ she says. Well, hoff we goes, leisurelylike, an the young gentlemen a-chaffin an a-laughin, an Master 'Enry ’e gives me a pull at 'is flask, Ood bless ’im, for to keep my gall up, 'e says. Well, ’twas that dark as we missed our way oncct or twicet, an it might be 'alf after 11 when we was back in our hown woods, yer honor. Well, we dismounted, an tied up to” ‘‘Try to be more succinct,” interposed the examining gentleman. ‘‘How did you dispose yourselves after arriving in the vicinity of Cedarcliffei'” “ ‘Master John,’ says ’e, , '?ou keep by an along 'ere, Tom,' 'e says, ‘an, ’Enry, do you look out for that side,’ ’e says, ‘an I'll do this ’ere slice,’ ’e says, "an if any one on us raises the game,’ ’e says, ‘jpet up pistol au fire in the hair,’ ’e says, ‘an t’others on ns will close up an nab ’em,’ ’e says. So hoff Master ’Enry an I goes, one one way an t’other tbs bother, an leaves Master John where e was. Well, I sneaks up, an I sneaks down, an I stops an listens, an oncet I thought I 'ad ’im sure enough, but 'twas only a rabbit, yer honor. An thinks I, ‘This ’ere’s a rum way of passin the night,’ I thinks. Well, it might be 2 in the momin, yer honor, when I 'ears somethin, an says to myself, ‘Was that a pistol,' says I, ‘or wasn't it? With that I begins nosin round a bit, gettin more an more hover toward Master Henry's beat, as it might be, but nothin at all does I see, yer honor, till says I, 'You’re naught but a fool to be thinkin it, Tom,’ says I. I was just below, along side the cliff, when I spoke them words, yer honor, when what does I see, it might be 10 yards hoff, but a—but a black—a black ’eap o’ somethin"— At this point Tom sniveled and broke down, and there was a pause in the proceedings. I ‘‘In short, you discovered what turned out to be the deceased?” said the exam iner. “An it went nigh for to break my ’iirt, it did,” said Tom in a tremulous voice. •'’Ardly cold, 'e was, an ’twas honly when I see ’is ’air that I knowed 'im, an there was an ’ole clean through him, yer honor, an—dang the devil what did it, whoever he be I” exclaimed Tom, with sudden vehemence, and then he broke down onoe more and wept bitterly. After awhile be went on to tell how he left the body lying there, and return ing to the house knocked at my door; how he found me just awaking from deep, propped up in my chair with pil lows and bandages, and how at first be had great difficulty in making me com prehend what had happened. “But as quick as Master Frank got the rights of it," be added, “he'ops up an hoff'e starts, with no more 'eed to his bad foot than nothin at all, an thinks I to myself, *The doctor’s a quiet man till Vs awake,’ thinks |, ‘but Vs got the grit of a 2-year- old winner when'e gets started,’thinks L" Than he related our meeting with ^ohn,aa4 how we carried the body JhM> and bow ha went for the corondr. and thus concluded his interesting depo sition whiob had stirred both tsars and smiles in many. At the end “he left the stand without a stain upon his charac ter,” as the newspapers say. John's experience was naturally of a very different complexion. He bore himself throughout like a man and like a gentleman, with a -dignity and coru- 'poeure which were never so marked in him before. He proved himself in every respect worthy of the name of Main war ing. The legal gentlemen treated him with the highest respect, but it was evi dent that his examination had aroused much greater interest than Tom's had done. The most critical feature of it was the unexpected exhuming of the old quarrel between John and Henry about Sinfire. How this affair had come to the knowledge of outside persons X cannot pretend to say, but I remember that the two went to thff stable after the recon ciliation and may perhaps have talked it all over there in the hearing of the men, with the assistance of Henry’s brandy flask. At all events it was evident from the questions that the} - had the whole story or a good part of it, and John, who is the most wretched failure iu the world at lying, answered directly and unhesitat ingly so far as the queries had reference to the quarrel itself. But when they be gan to probe for the cause of the trouble he took another attitude at once. “I got angry about something. I get angry easily,” ho said. “It can’t make any difference what I got angry about.” “In ordinary cases, certainly not, but at present we wish to judge whether the occasion was such as might rankle in your mind after the immediate reconcili ation had taken place.” “I don’t bear a grudge," John replied. “I break out and am done with it for good and all. When I forgave my broth er, I forgave him.” “Precisely. But the cause might be re newed. If, for example, two men are paying attentions to the same lady, a dispute might arise and be settled, but further inquiry might develop hitherto unsuspected facts, or fresh objectionable acts might occur.” “There’s no need to bring any lady's name into the matter,” said John curtly. “All irrelevant disclosures will be avoided. But it is not irrelevant to in quire whether you were particularly in terested in any young lady at or about the time of this altercation.” “I never said anything to her about it,” returned John, his face flushing, “and I don't see why I should say any thing to you.” “Nevertheless you were conscious of feelings toward her which would render liberties taken by a third party objec tionable?” “I have no right to say who shall or shall not meddle with what does not be long to me." “We are not discussing abstract rights, but facts, Mr. Main waring.” “I have always understood that facts were things that could be proved," said John, who was becomiug restive. “Your impression is perfectly correct, sir, and we have evidence in support of the intimations which have been ad vanced. But let me point out that, should that evidence be called, it would involve a mention of names and details which you have expressed a desire to avoid. If, on the other hand, you admit the points I have raised, no further def inition would be required.” This argument told upon John visibly. I don’t know for my part what witness they could have called unless it had been myself, and they might have found it difficult to get satisfaction from that quarter. But John would run no risks of drawing Sinfire into the scrape. So, as the least of two evils, he replied after a pause that he was willing to admit the existence of such a situation as bad been ; outlined in the precedingdialogue. “And | I want to say this," he added—"my rea son for keeping back information is not to save myself from whatever may come of it. If yon can show any motive strong enough to make me guilty of such a crime as this, you are welcome to do it. It is otly because the motive you were trying to get at would make an in nocent person suffer pain that I wished to say nothing about it." To this the lawyer bowed a polite assent. It occurred to me, however, that there might be some object behind the ostensi ble one in these questions, and this sus picion was strengthened by the fact that John’s examination was continued but a short time longer and concluded with the decision that there was not sufficient evidence to warrant his being held. But just before be left the box the counsel, as if from an afterthought, requested permission to refer to another matter. “After-leaving Or. Frank Mainwaring's rooms,” he went on, “what did you do?' “I rode back to the lake,” replied John, “to bring back the party there.” “Exactly. And of what persons did the party at the lake consist?" “There were three servants,” said he, naming them, “and my mother, Mrs. MaitHruring, and”— He hesitated. “No one else?” -•T believe I noticed no others at the lake.” “Was - there not a young lady, a rela tive of yours?’ “She had been there, but I didn't ee« her at that time,” said John hastily. “But she joined r s on our way back. I suppose she must have ridden on in front and missed her way, or something of that sort. I was occupied with my mother and didn't notice.” “Thank you. I believe I need not de tain you any longer, Mr. Mainwaring,” said the other, with a bow. And John stepped down, smiling st me and not knowing what J>e had done- CHAPTER XVL Some cynic once declared that the heaviest calamity that can befall a man is to see all his hopes fulfilled. It must be an old saying, for the legend of Ti- thonns illustrates it, and many an un happy victim of snocess has proved its truth since then. It seems that I, too, am to realize its bitterness. When John’s testimony was concluded yesterday afternoon, an adjournment was taken until the next morning, but n when we had nearly finished supper a visitor was announced, and I went out to see him. It was the sheriff, Mr. Fax on, looking very gloomy and embar rassed. “Anything new, Mr. Faxonr said L ‘Tve come on a disagreeable errand, doctor,” he replied, “and that’s a fact. Is that young lady Inside-Miss For- restal'r” “She is at table,” said I, affecting an indifference I was very far from feeling. “What about her?’ “I must see her. doctor," said the sher iff, with a sort of groan. ‘Tve a mes sage for her.” “A message for her? What is it? Can't I deliver it?’ “No, sir, you can't. And if giving up my place would save her from it I’d have resigned an hour ago. But there's no help for it. She'll be acquitted to morrow, of course, but I have a warrant for her arrest tonight.” “Arrest Miss Forrestal? Oh, that’s ab surd. Faxon!” exclaimed I, forcing a laugh. “You might as well make a clean sweep and arrest Mrs. Mainwcr- ing and me I" “I have my orders, doctor,” be re turned gloomily, "uud 1 must carry 'em out." As he spoke a figure advanced from the darkness at the lower end of the hall and came forward into the light. It waa Sinfire, with a proud smile or. her lips. “Good evening, Mr. Faxon,” ahe said. “I have heard. I am ready to go with you." “Good evening, Mr. Faxon," the laid. Faxon ducked his head, put his hand in his breast pocket, muttered something unintelligible and then glanced appeal ingly at me as if he expected me to make myself of some assistance. "Thers’s no help for it,” I said to Sinfire as cheer fully as possible. “I anticipated that you would be examined, but I didn’t think they’d go quite so far as this. Of course it’s only a matter of form. Well drive over to Judge Daly's and bail yon out—it won’t take an hour—and be back before 8 o’clock.” “People accused of murder cannot get out on bail, I believe,” said she quietly. “At any rate I will not allow bail to be asked for. Mr. Faxon will take me where I am to go.” “Thank you, Miss Forrestal,” said the sheriff gratefully. “I was thinking may be my wife could fix you up pretty coxy at my house for tonight. That'll be se cure enough, I guess,” he added, with a dismal grin. “But I ain’t going to hurry you. Finish your supper. Miss Forres tal, and when you’re ready to start I'm here.” “I have had all I want,” she answered. “I will get my hat and cloak and come at once." At this juncture John appeared and said: “Halloo! Wliat's the matter?' “I am going with Mr. Faxon,” said Sinfire. “They want to examine me about the murder.” "It’s my orders, Mr. Mainwaring." re marked Faxon dejectedly. “And right sorry I am for it.” “What!” shouted John in a terrible voice and seeming to grow a foot taller as he stepped forward threateningly. He stared fiercely at the poor sheriff. Then his eyes passed over me and rested upon Sinfire. After a moment he added doggedly, “This lady shall not leave my house against her will while I’m the mas ter of itl” “It is not against my will, John,” she said, stepping up to him and laying her hand on his arm. "If I cannot defend myself against this charge, no one else can defend me. I am not afraid. Why should I be?” And indeed she showed no signs of fear. There was color in her cheeks, her eyes were bright, and her voice was full and cheerful. She even seemed to have been stimulated and in spirited by the sinister event, for her close attendance on mother and the reaction from the excitement of our calamity had made her unusually silent and depressed. But the sudden blow of the arrest had restored her to herself as great natures are restored by what would crush lesser ones. She was ready for battle. John and I accompanied her to Fax on's house and saw that she was estab lished as comfortably as circumstances allowed. Then we returned home, and both of us were silent, only as we sepa rated for the night John said: “If any thing happens tomorrow, Frank, you’ll find a bundle of papers in my desk. Thj estate is entailed, of conrse, but I have my personal property and can do what 1 like with it.” I hardly grasjied the meaning of this announcement and do not understand it even now, for he could not possibly have foreseen what was to happen. That uight I took Sinfire’s place beside mother, who was happily unconscious of what was going forward and appeared to be on the verge of a still further relapse Into vacuity. She re quired very little attention, and l was able to give all my thought* to a consid eration of what wal tocomeon the mor row and to the course which I might pursue in case things took » bod turn. Toward morning I had made np my mind, and then I got some three hoars' sleep. I believe John paced his room all night. I shall not attempt any orderly record of what happened the next day. A crowd of persons filled the room in which the examination was being held, between the judge and the lawyer*. Slu- fire continued her itory; “I rode toward Cedarcltffe thr jugh tho woods, and I rode fast. I hod been to the lake on horr ebook before, and I am fond of the woods snd never miss my way. I remembered a deserted shed or barn a mile or two from Cedercliffe and aside from the path on which I was rid ing, and I decided to lead my horse there and go the rest of the way on foot 1 found the barn without any difficulty and unsaddled my gray and made him comfortable. Then I walked toward the Cednrcliffe woods.” te « eggprog.] • CHRISTMAS GIFTS! Thte ift the Year to Give Common-Sense Presents! BUY FURNITURE. Make Your Friends a Present that will I will display a nice line of Wagons, < Bicycles, Tri cycles and-Velocipedes lor Children, as well as the more usetul and substantial. Home Comforts for the oldt rones. Let me see yon. •@“P. S.—You will find me next to the Jail.”^ We are receiving daily our stock of Shoes for the Fall and Winter! [MEN’S, LADIES’, MISSES and CHILDREN’S] And beg an inspection of the same when in need of nice Footwear. Our stock is bought in large quantities direct from the very best manufacturers, which ensures new fresh goods, and we propose to sell them at a very small margin. line of Rubber Shoes for Men, Boys, Ladies, Misses and Children We call special attention to our $3.00 Shoe for Men, made by the ROCKLAND Company; genuine calf, Goodyear welt, all styles in congress and lace. Rubber Goods of every description, consisting of Mackintosh Garments for Ladies and Men, also a complete We sell the MOULDED RUBBER, PERFECT RUBBER. * TRUNKS, VALISES, SATCHELSj "UMBRELLAS AND SHOETINDING8 OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. NEWEST STYLE HATS. Sep 14—4m "TOToocis db IMillingf. :l^! mlimtELL^ a’ndshoe^iSnTiRf e' SANTA ■M.4 m Headquarters. A complete line of every thing usual to a first-class Hardware Store. Also a full line of SMI BODE STORE. With much pleasure we partly enumerate a list of the articles to be foynd in our stock. Our line, usually very complete, is much larger and more varied this season than ever before, em bracing chiefly novelties of the American and Foreign markets. igriciM Isfluli, Eiprs’ Salles, Minn;, Stun ■A.3ST3D TUSTWARE, And will sell at the very lowest prices for cash. Wood. Leatlier. , Metal. toilet, manicure, odor, jewel, combination, SMOKER, CIGAR, GAME SETS, PHOTO CASES. TOILET AND HAND MIRRORS, GLOVES AND HANDKER CHIEFS, FRAMES, KNIFE AND FORK, PEPPER AND SALT, AFTER DINNER SPOONS, AUTOGRAPH, PHO TOGRAPH AND SCRAP ALBUMS, ALBUM EASELS, LAP TABLETS, PORT FOLIOS, TRAYELLING SETS, POC KET BOOKS, CARD CASES, PURSES, BILL BOOKS, LETTER CASES, PEN TRAYS, ASH RECEIVERS, INK STANDS, PAPER WEIGHTS, PAPER CUTTERS. BOOKLETS AND KM AS CARDS, CALENDARS. PRAYER BOOKS AND HYMNALS, BIBLES, TESTAMENTS, M’LAUGHLIN’S BOOKS, GAMES AND BLOCKS, JUVENILE BOOKS, POEMS, TOYS, DOLLS, WAGONS, VELOCI PEDES, BICYCLES, TRICYCLES, VASES, AND CHINA GOODS OF EVERY DESCRIPTION. We are headquarters for School Books and School Supplies, and in every department may be found all the latest novelties that the market affords. Call and see. BOOK STORE. Nov 30—tilX Tinning, Roofing- & Plumbing .A. SIFEJOI-AIiTTr. Octe—tf Insure Vour Property WITH IF. E. IsTOiRILdlEaTT, Who represent* the mui ruts u tie w i Satisfaction Guaranteed. -Represents Twelve First- class Own pan is*. September 11.1800 A Profitable Investment, The following i. self-explanatory: “On the Uth day of October. 1802, we ineured our lives In the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company, of Newark, N. J., for 115,000. When our second premiums fell due, we re ceived over 25 per cent, dividends on our money. We eon safely eay to all wanting Insurance that this is the safest and most profitable and liberal company in the United States. “8. Marco, “I. liRWBSWUA.” Call on O. W. YOUNG, Agent, Dar lington, S. 0. Oc5—to I w. wrrcoYEs Wishee to inform the pablie that he has opened In the ALEXANDER BUILDING next doOr to Sanders’ butcher shop, where he is prepared to pay the hlgn- eet cook priete poesible for all kinds of Granby fradaceud Furs of all kinds, saeh as Otters, Minks, Coons, Foxes, Wildcats, Muskrats, well as Cowhides, Sheep. Deer skins, ete. Also Highest